Pastor

Bishop Kevin L. Kernodle Sr.

Bishop Kevin Lamont Kernodle Sr, was born on September 11, 1973. His parents are Deacon and Deaconess Robert and Carolyn Kernodle. Elder Kevin, grew up in Danville VA with his older sister Dr. Tammy Kernodle of Fairfield OH, and younger brother Pastor Michael Kernodle of Tampa, FL. During this time, the Kernodle household was full of music, because all three were gifted with the ministry of music.

Bishop Kevin graduated from George Washington High in 1991, where his focus and love was for his fellow cadets in N.J.R.O.T.C. Upon graduating he received a full R.O.T.C. scholarship to Norfolk State University where he majored in Airway Science. He graduated in 1995, with a B.A. in Fine Arts (Graphic Design) and minor in Computer Science w/ a Concentration in Aviation. In, 1996 he entered the United States Marine Corp Officer Candidates School in Quantico, VA. After an injury in training he returned back to Danville VA, where he took on several jobs including, being a Correctional Officer and a school teacher where he taught Art and Special Education. He is employed at Brian Jones Motorsports for the past 7yrs, and has been in the car business for over 25 years.

Bishop Kevin was called to preach the Word of God, at an early age, but ran from it as many have tried. He served as the Campus Minister at Norfolk State University and also the Minister of Music for several churches. Given into his calling, he preached his initial sermon on his 32 birthday on September 11, 2005, under the leadership of Pastor Howard L. Graves Sr. at Unity Baptist Fellowship. As a seasoned and anointed preacher, Pastor Graves saw enough spiritual growth to Ordain not only Minister Kevin but also his wife Minister Rena, to office of Elder in 2008.

Bishop Kevin is married to Prophetess Davetta Rena Kernodle, and they have five children total, Howard Andre(40) who’s married to Miss Jerrica Cash, Tyler Carrington(29), Kevin Lamont II(26), Tiyanna Neye(25), and Kennedy Leigh(18), and 5 grandchildren.

Bishop Kevin was installed at the Pastor of the Rising Sun Missionary Baptist Church in 2010, where he has birthed two ministries from 2 of his Elders. On June 20, 2025 he was consecrated Bishop within the United Cornerstone Churches International where he currently serves as the Diocese Bishop for the state of Virginia. His desire is to grow an “Effective” church that will be life changing for those in the community far and near, to serve the Lord will gladness and make God smile. Winning Souls for Christ and changing the mindset of the church to Kingdom is his focus.

Favorite Scripture Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

Rising Sun, I want to thank you for seeing God in my life, to select me as your Pastor. As your Pastor, we will grow as a Ministry, not just another Church. I will preach the Word of God to you, in season and out of season, with no exceptions. There is so much to do, not only inside these four walls, but in this community, this county, this state, this world. We will be servants of the most High God, not only on Sundays but every day, for we not only represent Rising Sun, but our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I'm truly looking forward to this journey that God has set before us, let us not get weary in well-doing.

"I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn't always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn't always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don't always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time."

Ecclesiastes 9:11.Message Bible

Your Will is What's Best For ME!!!!